KL bans Europe livestock

KL bans Europe livestock

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia has banned the import of
livestock, meat, milk and milk products from Europe to prevent
foot-and-mouth disease, the Department of Veterinary Services
said on Friday.

"Only milk and milk products from regions which are free from
(foot-and-mouth) are allowed to be imported," the department said
in a statement.

Malaysia is the latest in a string of countries banning
imports of certain products from Europe in a bid to try to
contain the spread of foot and mouth disease.

Malaysia said passengers arriving directly from London would
have to undergo a disinfection foot bath.

The authorities have also imposed a double heat-treatment
measure for all milk and its products.

The department said Malaysia has been free of foot-and-mouth
disease since February 2000.

"In the past five Years, the outbreak only happened when there
was cattle brought from neighboring countries," it said.